The Center for European and International Affairs of the University of Nicosia cordially invites you to the Round-Table Discussion entitled

REVISITING THE CYPRUS QUESTION AND

THE WAY FORWARD

The Importance of an Evolutionary Approach

by 
Professor Andreas Theophanous

Chair:

Anna Koukkides-Procopiou

Abstract

This presentation is based on the article “Revisiting the Cyprus Question and the Way Forward” which was published in Winter’s Issue 2017, vol. 15, no. 4, of the Turkish Policy Quarterly.  It provides context for the recent round of negotiations by giving a historical overview of the Cyprus problem – the political landscape after the Turkish invasion in 1974, EU involvement, the UN initiatives and the rejection of the Annan Plan. The author argues that the current negotiations are unlikely to lead to a comprehensive agreement in 2017 as there are still some major stumbling blocks.  Furthermore, he notes that consociational federal models based on ethnonationalist pillars lead, more often than not, to tensions, frustration, and even conflict. Consequently, the author suggests that an evolutionary approach may create some mutual benefits and also build trust; this will facilitate a comprehensive settlement utilizing an integrationalist federal model which will encourage common objectives. Such an outcome will serve multiple interests.

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